Which method is least likely to provide real-time feedback on a user's interaction with a product?

User diaries are a method that allows users to record their experiences and interactions with a product over time. While they can provide valuable insights into user behavior and preferences, the feedback gathered through this method is not instantaneous. Users typically reflect on their experiences after a period of time, which means any feedback will be retrospective rather than real-time. This can lead to a delay in understanding how users are interacting with the product at the moment.

In contrast, direct observation involves watching users as they interact with a product in real time, allowing for immediate feedback on usability and design issues. Focus groups enable a discussion format where users can provide instant feedback and reactions to a product in a group setting, promoting dynamic interaction. Surveys can be designed to provide quick feedback, particularly if they’re deployed immediately after user interaction, but they still rely on the user taking the time to respond.

Therefore, among the methods listed, user diaries are the least likely to provide real-time feedback, as they involve a lag in reporting and can miss immediate user experiences as they unfold.